Adam Brooks feels like he’s been here before. The small, workmanlike rookie centre, relegated to the fourth line with his new team — in a new league, province, and city.

After becoming a superstar in the minor hockey world in Winnipeg, Man. he moved to Regina, Sask. and it took him two full seasons and a coaching change to re-find his groove as a top player in the WHL. He was passed up at the NHL draft before the Leafs took him as an overaged player in the fourth round in 2016.

Fast forward half a couple of years — and time zones — and Brooks is right back where he started. After scoring more than any other player in junior hockey in his last two seasons with the Regina Pats (291 points in 167 games), Brooks is back on the fourth line, this time with the Toronto Marlies.

In 59 games, he has been scratched 17 times. His seven points put him 22nd on the team in scoring (last among players who’ve played as often as his 43...